Your change to play a Steinway

Jane Mason and Anna Finlay Smith with the fundraising keyboard that was used to purchase a Steinway piano for Baycourt Theatre. Photo/supplied

Not many musicians get the chance to play a Steinway piano, but that's not the case if you are a Tauranga pianist.

An open day is being held on Sunday, giving locals the chance to tickle the ivories in grand style.

This is the first Steinway Open Day at Baycourt and it provides an opportunity for the public to play and listen to the gold standard of musical instruments.

"Everyone is invited to come to the stage and play the piano, there is no age limit and there is no charge, all you need to do is book a time and come and enjoy a wonderful time," says Anna Finlayson-Smith, chairwoman of Friends of Baycourt.

The Steinway first arrived in New Zealand from Germany in March 2009, after the then chairman of Friends of Baycourt, Jane Mason, had an ambition to see a Steinway piano at Baycourt. The Tauranga Regional Concert Piano Trust was formed to raise $270,000 to purchase the piano.

As part of the fundraising, they raised money by selling 'black' and 'white' keys to a piano. A Steinway keyboard was purchased and each donor's name was recorded against his or her chosen key. The open day was created after Anna had the vision to host an event where anyone who would like to play the Steinway had the opportunity to do so.

"It is not a concert as such, but a day for the public to enjoy this special asset. We simply want the community to have their time with the piano to play whatever music they wish - and to bring their own audience.
"This magnificent instrument has been appreciated by many people who have had the opportunity to play it and listen to the music it produces."

To book an appointment time, contact Anna: dameanna@talk.co.nz or 07-577-7189

the fine print
What: Steinway Open Day
Where: Baycourt
When: Sunday, 10am-4pm
Cost: Free entry.